Category: Beach life

Trincomalee was the final stop on our Sri Lankan adventure and what a way to end it was! Picture perfect paradise from start to finish and the best way to look back on our time in India and Our Home before finally reminiscing on our incredible experiences in Sri Lanka.

Where to stay:

Arriving via bus from Sigiriya we jumped in a tuk tuk from the station to our home for the next few nights; Trinco Blu by Cinnamon. What a home this was, as soon as we walked through the reception we were greeted with a cool drink, a refreshing flannel and a beautiful view which was on par with some of the best hotels we’ve ever stayed in.

If we didn’t feel like we were in a movie already we sure did when we were informed that our room had been upgraded to the ultimate beach front cottage! The room was huge with such an airy feel to it. The whole place just forced you to relax and as we pulled the curtain back things just got better. Looking out was the stunning picturesque beach dotted with palm trees and a giant anchor. We could simply wake up and roll out of bed straight onto the beach!

The hotel pool was also an oasis with two restaurants to choose from including a buffet option and a fine dining experience at Crab.

What to do:

We were enormously disappointed when we were told no whales had been seen in the waters for over a week and were strongly advised not to go on a whale watching experience with such a high chance of a no show! Nevertheless we did manage to visit Pigeon Island which was an experience on par with the Great Barrier Reef in Australia!

We snorkelled through the rainbow of coral for a couple of hours and no matter how many times we’ve been snorkelling we’re always astounded at the beauty beneath the surface of the sea. Alongside the coral was an array of marine life from Nemo to Dory and all in between but that was nothing compared to what came next.

After a quick bite to eat we walked over to the other side of the island to delve into the deep blue again but this time we were told to stay close to our guide. Having snorkelled a fair few times before didn’t expect to see much we hadn’t seen before but Pigeon Island is most definitely our best ever snorkel experience!

After a few minutes of swimming we found what we were looking for; the most spectacular sea turtle we’ve ever seen! The most wonderful thing about this experience was its comfort and naturalness around us, it didn’t swim away or even towards us, it just went along with its business which made for some amazing pictures!

With all our attention locked on the turtle we didn’t even notice the other incredible sea creatures lurking just beneath us…

After some frantic pointing from our guide we finally noticed that we were surrounded by a herd of black tip reef sharks! We were terrified but amazed at the same time, especially when one of them swam towards us at a significant pace before turning away. The sheer speed of these magnificent sea creatures was amazing and even more scary given they were nearly two metres in length! We were so amazed we forgot to breathe through our snorkel at times as our jaws dropped with their awesomeness despite being underwater. We can’t think of enough superlatives to describe this amazing adventure.

Other than our boat trip, we spent our time relaxing in the hotel going between the beach and pool and throughly enjoying some time to relax.

Where to eat:

Being at Trinco Blu we were already staying in the same quarters as some of the best restaurants in Trinco. Although they weren’t cheap, you get what you pay for so we decided to treat ourselves to a night at Crab and it was delicious, however, not quite as enjoyable as our meal at The Fat Crab in Colombo but the beach side setting in Trinco was gorgeous. We also had breakfast included in our visit and loved the array of different options the buffet had to offer.

We actually spent most of our evenings eating at Tonic’s, a beach shack located just next door to our hotel. The food was super tasty and reasonably priced for its location which added up to us revisiting at least eight times in four days! Gaining an alcohol license in Sri Lanka can prove difficult but Tonic’s had a unique way of getting around that, just ask for a “strong cup of tea” and thank us later.

Our whole experience in Trinco was incredible. We absolutely loved the hotel, the food and our once in a lifetime snorkelling experience. A place to recommend? Absolutely and without doubt, we extended our stay for an extra night and if we didn’t have to catch a flight home, we’re sure we’d have stayed even longer!

Mauritius is one of those once in a lifetime destinations. A honeymoon spot for many or just an extraordinarily luxurious holiday that creates memories to last a lifetime. We were lucky enough to win a trip to the star and key of the Indian Ocean through the #BeachLife photo competition with Stylist Magazine and Veranda Resorts. If this blog teaches you anything please let it be that yes, people really do win those incredible holiday competitions you see on the TV and in magazines, just give it a go!

Flying with Air France we were not looking forward to the 12-hour flight that awaited us but it turned out to be one of our most comfortable flights ever with a whole row to ourselves… each! We were able to sleep the full journey and arrive in the country we had been dreaming about ever since we got THAT tweet from Stylist Magazine.

We had never been to Africa before and although this wasn’t mainland Africa, we still didn’t know what to expect. Arriving in September it was pleasantly warm and we set off on our journey to the very north of the island. With the island being a mere 2040km² we drove the full length of the island within an hour, picking up some insightful information from our driver with the usual taxi chat. Did you know Mauritius’ biggest export is Prince’s tuna? Neither did we but we were more interested in the local rum which was to come later!

Veranda Pointe Aux Biches was absolutely incredible. We have had a number of discussions since returning whether this was our best holiday ever and the hotel was definitely a major factor. The reception immediately set the tone with a sand and wooden theme almost forcing you to relax. Upon arriving the first thing you are asked to do is take your shoes off and immerse your feet under three water spouts representing peace, love and happiness. This might be a bit cringe for some but what a fantastic change to arriving and being asked for your booking details and credit card before so much as a hello!

We were toured through the hotel which was the most wonderful and peaceful setting we have ever encountered on holiday. The hotel has two pools, bars, restaurants , a spa, plenty of activities to get involved in, a private beach and the most welcoming staff you will ever meet. Being based in the Privilege room, we were free to eat at either of the two restaurants which offered very different but equally delicious food and impeccable service. The Sandy Lane village bar, pool and restaurant were for adults only, all-inclusive customers but really, you would have the holiday of a lifetime in any room in. We were free to roam to any part of resort and that’s exactly what we did, spreading our time between the Sandy Lane and Foot-Loose areas.

Our room was filled with complementary coffee, tea, fruit, snacks, coke and beer which were all replenished everyday. The towels were shaped into different animals each time you went back to your room and the view of the balcony was so perfect you could have a good time without even leaving the room.

Although it wasn’t the height of summer, we couldn’t resist swimming in the pools and sea. We also made the effort to take out some of the free to use water sport equipment laid on by the hotel such as windsurf boards and kayaks. The Pina Coladas flowed all day, everyday and we soon found the coconut rum to be our drink of choice. A few nights ended with us being slightly more flamboyant that usual thanks to a few too many cocktails but if you can’t get carried away on holiday you may as well stay at home!

The Senses restaurant was a buffet style setup with fresh grilled steak, fish and chicken with an everlasting spread of supplements to go with it. The vegetable gratin was one of the most heavenly things we have ever had and for us to pick out the vegetable as our favourite item you know it was good! The all-you-can-eat style meant you could spend hours eating and chatting as the night wore on with the the cocktails still flowing freely.

Although we loved the buffet area, the Sandy Lane restaurant was on another level. Michelin style service was matched by scenic views made for memorable moments. The restaurant continued with the sand theme as you felt your toes settle into the sand as your listen to the waves crashing beneath the stars of the sky.

The food was impeccable with a different five course meal served up each night. From succulent steak to freshly caught fish brought in from the sea just a few metres away, this was a real fine dining experience. Deserts ranged from coconut emblazoned crème brulee to hand made profiteroles fit for a king. The food at Veranda Resorts was something we are sure we will never experience again, and that is a very upsetting thought!

Wanting to see more of the country, we did venture out of the resort as we visited the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden and L’ Aventure du Sucre. The botanical gardens were a beauty and we recommend taking a picnic with you as it is a great place to explore where you can spend hours losing yourself within the exotic plants and giant tortoises. The sugar cane factory is great if you are keen on finding out more about the heritage of this incredible little island. It is more than just a sugar factory and explanation of processes, it also tells you about the people of the country, their customs, values and their beliefs.

We visited Trou aux Biches on a few occasions and thoroughly enjoyed taking some time away from the resort to see the real Mauritian people as we walked through small villages and chatted with the locals. The beach itself was yet another breathtaking setting but the same could be said about most of Mauritius. We also took a Veranda catamaran cruise to Bernaches Islet where we enjoyed a BBQ to conquer all BBQ’s, and spent a few hours taking in the perfection of Mauritius.

On our last day we rented out some bikes to ride out to the sugar cane fields. Cycling through the winding roads and listening to the roar of the waves beside us, we made it to the fields which were a bit further out the way than they had seemed in the car! The long ride was well worth it though as we settled down and explored the fields that could have lasted forever if we only had our eyes to judge it by.

Mauritius has become that holiday that will never be beaten. That luxury break that cannot be topped and that memory that will never be lost.

The summer holidays are well underway and the children are used to their new daily routines without school, breakfast is a also a little later now which we must admit we’re enjoying and there’s lots of spring cleaning going on in the bedrooms!

The days seem a lot longer and we’re trying to think of different activities we can do each day to keep the kids entertained. Something we hadn’t thought of until now was downloading a film on our IPad. We bought some popcorn and arranged two screenings of our makeshift movie day, one for the girls and one for the boys. “Happy Feet” was our film of choice and first up was the boys. As they all crowded round to watch the small screen they were super excited for an English cartoon movie, we couldn’t believe how they all managed to slot themselves into positions to be able to see. We were buried in amongst them and after just 15 minutes we were literally melting due to the heat. We didn’t dare move though as the boys were all so comfortable and enjoying the film, laughing so much their stomachs were hurting!

As always the girls were a lot more organised and balanced the iPad on a chair that they could all sit around to see. Their reactions to the film was much different to the boys and they loved the cute baby penguins and love story going on, some tears were even shed at the emotional scenes! Next time we return to Our Home we will come equipped with more movies for them, we really enjoy giving them some new experiences, and when it’s 40 degrees outside with no water, there’s not much else for them to do!

The hot topic for this week was the upcoming “Tour” to Kannur Beach. We decided to take the kids on a day trip to the beach and hired a big tourist bus for the 7th April. Leading up to the day they couldn’t stop planning, from what they were going to wear, what time they were waking up and who they were going to sit next to on the bus. When it finally came around the day itself was incredible, we made the most beautiful memories and being many of the kids’ first time to the beach it was also really emotional.

The next big day, 10th April, soon approached which was when the children were getting their exam results and I think we were more anxious than them! We woke up early that morning and went down to the school and were greeted with The BEST news ever. The longs days teaching and evenings spent on one to one homework classes have paid off as every single child at Our Home Community passed their exams and are moving up to their next year studying. Previously children have been held back one if not two years for not passing their exams. Surya was particularly overjoyed having been one of the children held back, he has now finished with the highest marks in his class! The smiles say it all and we’re so proud of all of the girls and boys for working so hard with us.

This week Our Home had a group of German volunteers visiting and unfortunately this meant we had to vacate our little bedroom so they could all stay together. However, this did mean that we could stay in a local hotel only a short walk away from Our Home and to be honest the AC and warm water was a welcome change! We also used the opportunity to give the boys and girls some little day trips and took a few of them each day during our stay to explore the hotel grounds, order some french fries, fresh juice and relax in a different environment for a few hours.

As our time at Our Home is coming to an end we’re making the most of every single second with the children. Its been another two weeks that have flown passed, filled with emotion, joy, day trips and certainly one of the best school summer holidays for us too!

07/04/17 was an incredibly magical day for us and a memory that will last forever. Whilst staying at Our Home we decided that we wanted to do a day trip with the children during their summer holidays and agreed that going to the beach was the best idea.

We hired a tourist coach to take all of the children from Our Home to Kannur beach, about four hours away. For some of them it was their first time taking a road trip and had never before seen the sand and sea. The week leading up to the trip was full of anticipation as the kids couldn’t talk about anything else. All sorts of rumours started flying around and the girls came to us one day with worried expressions on their little faces telling us that the boys said if they swam in the sea their hair would fall out. We couldn’t help but laugh!

The day before quickly came around and the excitement was indescribable! In the evening the children packed their bags, brushed their teeth and were ready for bed nice and early, although we doubt they got much sleep! The journey started at 4:30am and we were hoping to get a few more zzz’s on the coach but there was no chance of that. As soon as we’d boarded the music was on, the disco lights were flashing and the kids were going crazy! It was amazing to see how much energy they had and how happy they were at the start of the day.

45 minutes later the partying slowed down and the travel sickness begun… when we first got on the bus the older boys handed out plastic bags. We thought this was for rubbish and considering we’re in India this was a delight to see. Very quickly we had nine children throwing up and we soon realised that this is what the bags were for. The remaining three hours were filled with a mixture of dancing, sickness and sleeping.

When we pulled up their faces were a picture and as we had hoped Kannur happened to be a beautiful and clean beach. All of a sudden it was rush rush rush, all systems go and they were all pushing to get off the bus they loved so much and never wanted to leave just minutes before. They played literally ALL day on the beach. Building sandcastles, burying each other, playing football, chasing each other and swimming. It was so emotional and overwhelming. Some of the little ones were afraid of the sea to start with but by the end of the day they didn’t want to leave and most of the boys were confident to give swimming under the waves a good go. For lunch we ate fried fish and rice and we’ve never seen them eat so fast so they could dive right back into the waters.

We left the beach by sunset to begin partying on the bus again but this time it was H who had the travel sickness. We were stuck in traffic and the journey took nearly seven hours but by midnight when we arrived home the children were all sleeping soundly with sand in their hair and smiles on their faces. A day we will cherish forever.

Kochi is a welcome break for most travellers in India with its European feel and abundance of restaurants to choose from, it’s definitely more that just “that place with the Chinese fishing nets”.

Where to stay:

This was our second time visiting Kochi but unfortunately could not return to the excellent Bastian Homestay as it was fully booked. Instead, we stayed at Maison Casero homestay which was just as brilliant and if anything better. The one thing we craved most was a western breakfast so being awoken to tea, toast and eggs made to measure immediately out a smile on our face!

The rooms were very clean, had the option of AC, offered free wifi and a hot shower. You can’t really ask for more than that for £16 a night!

What to do:

The beach is not so great and really rather dirty but you should definitely head down to Fort Kochi to see the Chinese fishing nets in action. We recommend avoiding the heat of the day and head down at sunset to enjoy the view of the sun descending into the Arabian Sea whilst the locals are bringing in their catch of the day.

Santa Cruz Basilica Church is one of Kochi’s most famous landmarks and although nice to see especially at night when it is all lit up, it wouldn’t be our top reason for going to visit however, there is something else close by that is a must see…

Kathakali is one of the main forms of classical Indian dance. A story portrayed through art, we watched a rather large man turn the whites of his eyes blood red before depicting a story of rape and death. Not the most uplifting of tales but certainly one you’ll never forget. It’s a very strange experience, but one not to be missed!

On the bright side, if you’re after a bit of western life then Lulu Mall is the place to be. Take the airport bus from Fort Kochi directly to the mall and you get to ride through this quaint town in the comfort of air conditioning without forking out for a private car. The mall itself offers an array of shops to explore, a great cinema with English and Indian movies and best of all it’s very own answer to Nando’s; Galitos! We also experienced the best milkshake we have ever had in Bloomsbury’s cafe, which was reason enough for us to return to the mall during our second visit!

Where to eat:

There are an abundance of great restaurants to eat in Fort Kochi. On our previous visit we headed down to The Old Harbour and despite being a bit pricey, they serve one hell of a steak! For a cheaper but equally exceptional meal take a stroll from the fishing nets to The Killians Hotel. If you’re in a pair or more we highly recommend getting one of the seafood platters, Kochi offers some of the best seafood in India and this place might just be the pick of the bunch. Despite many recommendations online, we would advice you avoid eating at the many stalls lining the beach as we found they’re often over priced and take an age to prepare your meal!

Finally, the Upstairs Italian Restaurant was like a mirage in the sun when we first visited Kochi and it was just as fantastic this time around. Seated with an open window view of Santa Basilica Church, this might be the only place in India that serves real prosciutto Ham!

So there you have it; where to stay, what to do and where to eat in Kochi. Just remember you won’t be able to claim your free whole chicken on your Nando’s card in Galito’s… it’s still india after all!

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After an incredible journey starting on 4th February 2015 from London Heathrow we had reached the final destination of our yearlong travelling adventure. It’s impossible to sum up a million memories into a few words but Goa was perhaps the perfect way to complete our voyage of discovery.

The beach

Arriving in Goa we stayed at Veeniola Holiday Home, an idyllic setting offering exactly what you want as a backpacker. The rooms were clean and well furnished, the staff were great, especially the manager Charlie who helpfully answered all of our questions, and most importantly the wifi worked! We kept extending our stay at Veeniola which totalled around two weeks and although it wasn’t the fanciest of places or the most lavish, it gave you everything you needed and made us feel at home.

Most of our time in Goa was spent reflecting and relaxing as we prepared ourselves for the big return to the UK. We were a 10-minute walk from a dreamy white sand, clear blue sea beach and spent our days kicking back with beers, diving through the waves and walking for miles through the sands under a perfect cloud free sky.

We have been to many destinations where there are so many things to do that you never have enough time to do them all but Goa was exactly what we needed at exactly the right time. Cavelossim beach had the perfect balance of beach hut restaurants and natural beauty. Alex’s Beach Shack is a must if you’re in town but you won’t be disappointed in any of the shacks along the beach, each with something different to offer, from fresh fish nights to Karaoke parties.

FC Goa

Being without football for most of the year, K was desperate to see a live game so we bought tickets for FC Goa vs Northeast United. The Indian super league was in its second season and included some global stars including Roberto Carlos and Robert Pires. On show in our game was World Cup winner and Brazil legend Lucio as well as former Portugal international Simao Sabrosa.

In terms of footballing quality, the game was lacking although it was scattered with some elements of class, including Reinaldo’s equaliser, but the most incredible part were the fans. As with anything in India, people want to be entertained and everyone was in party mood. The football was like the music at a house party, you know it’s there and without it you wouldn’t have a party but you don’t really pay attention to it. The infamous vuvuzelas from the 2010 World Cup were handed out before the game as well as FC Goa flags and everyone was in high spirits. The match ended 1-1 but we doubt the majority of the fans knew or even cared about the score. Fireworks were set off and the stadium was over-crowded but like everything in India, it was so wrong it worked just right.

Without a doubt Goa was our most relaxing stint in India despite the craziness of the Indian Super League! Our next biggest trip was going to the cinema to watch Spectre, as we’ve mentioned before we adored the cinemas in India, superb quality, cheap tickets and fab range of drinks and snacks, the ultimate movie experience!

Goa was complete and utter paradise, the longer we stayed the more we loved it. We’re intending on heading back in 2017 and perhaps this time we will see more of what this beautiful state has to offer. It might not be as traditional as the rest of India but sometimes we can all have a bit too much Indian, and to end a year of craziness, sleepless nights, long journeys and living out of a backpack, to do absolutely nothing was bliss!

After spending a year of our lives travelling through exotic locations, eating strange foods and absorbing the world’s different cultures, we almost forgot what made the UK so special. Living on the outskirts of London we overlooked all that this incredible city had to offer but worse, we forgot just how awesome the rest of the United Kingdom could be.

Saving for our next adventure, our UK break was less Angkor Wat and more Aberystwyth, specifically Tregaron. Staying at a wonderful little cottage in a village made up of ‘ones’ was just what the doctor ordered! One pub, one post office, one local shop … you get the picture. There was just enough in this village to make it inhabitable but just enough was perfect. Taking a break from the world we were left without phone signal and without worry as we allowed ourselves to take a break from the social strains of today’s society.

Y Talbot was first up and it was a fantastic mix of tradition and comfort. An ideal beer garden enclosing a beautiful pub which also happens to be a 4.5 star rated hotel on TripAdvisor. The food was gorgeous, succulent beef/fish and fresh vegetables which were locally sourced and a rare example of actually building from within your own community. A little known fact is that the head chef at the Y Talbot Dafydd trained with Marco Pierre White and was a previous Sous Chef at The Ritz! Certainly a claim to fame in this small village!

But food isn’t what we came to Wales for, it was something far simpler. We wanted to take a break from ourselves. We trekked through the hills, had packed lunch in the mountains and walked along mile after mile of secluded coastline, with plenty of afternoon naps! The most human interaction we had was when buying a bottle of milk from the local store. Small talk doesn’t exist in places like Tregaron, people actually care about what you have to say. A wonderful change from meaninglessly nattering about traffic, the tube or worst of all… the weather!

When heading into Aberystwyth we did manage to get phone signal and being the summer of 2016 and in a new destination, there was only one thing to do. Pokémon Go! We found so many awesome Pokémon in town from Tangela to Chancey but sadly the place was still crawling with those pesky Rattata!

Aside from the Pokémon haul, Aberystwyth was a lively seaside town, with plenty to keep you busy. A host of bespoke eateries and coffee shops, castles that outlasted the dark ages and people with smiles on their faces. H visited her childhood favourite shop named “Stars” which is home to lots of little quirky trinkets, incense sticks and jewellery, a lovely little place for a rummage!

Not too far from Aberystwyth you can also find Devil’s Bridge Falls which is a world famous tourist attraction although it will be a test of your fitness so make sure you’re prepared before entering the underworld. If you don’t mind a soggy sandwich then head down to The Hafod with a picnic and eat in a flourishing forest dominated by streams. It’s not the easiest place to find but it’s hidden gems like the Hafod that make for the best memories.

As we drove through the hills along the country lanes, passing horses, sheep and cows all roaming the lands we felt settled. It was as though we had finally been able to take a real break from everything. Personally, we couldn’t live in a place like this, we can’t function without the hustle and bustle but sometimes it’s good to take a step back and breathe, and Wales certainly allowed us to do just that.

Whether you’re a couple looking for a romantic getaway, a family in need of some seaside fun or a group friends wanting to party the night away, Brighton is the place for you. Located just an hour south of London this easy to reach seaside town is great for a day trip or a mini getaway. Having been several times before we know how fun it is and exactly what Brighton has to offer.

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If you’re a lover of all things food you are not short of options! Classic fish and chips along the beach, or strolling through the lanes you will stumble across as series of little eateries, each one offering something different but all with a beautiful atmosphere and a great selection. A couple of our favourites include the famous Choccywoccydoodah which any chocolate lover would be mad to miss indulging in! Dos Sombreros is another favourite, a fantastic Mexican with a wide selection of delicious food and cocktails galore, perfect to spend the night nattering away in the heart of this quaint town.

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The lanes are a collection of tiny fairy-like cobbled streets famous for their ornate shops and restaurants. Be prepared for them to be busy on a weekend but they are lovely to wander around taking in the Brighton culture and full of quirkiness.

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Brighton Pier was built in 1899 and has an assortment of arcades, rides and other novelty fun whilst still keeping its historic ambience. We enjoyed ordering a cider to kick back and relax with the view of Brighton’s picturesque, colourful seafront bursting with beach huts and beautiful regency architecture.

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You are spoilt with choice when it comes down to booking accommodation from boutique B&Bs, modern apartments and classic hotels. We stayed in Queens hotel situated on the seafront which was great for a bit of luxury and a spa treatment during our visit. Sussex house was good for a self-catering trip and close to the town centre for easy access to Brighton’s famed nightlife. It was conveniently located with a modern interior, a good place to settle down in for a few nights.

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Brighton has to be one of our favourite seaside resorts in the UK. With so much to explore and something different going on every time we visit, It really is an ideal UK getaway.